Facts and stats about Albania

Albania is one of the smallest countries in the Balkan Peninsula within the peripheries of South Eastern Europe. Majority of the population is made up of Muslims while the remaining 20 percent is divided between Orthodox Christians and Catholics.

The country boasts of an impressive shoreline, pristine beaches and the world-renowned BUTRINT National Park which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. That is why the New York Times and Rough Guides (travel website) named Albania in the Top 10 Best Places to Visit for 2014.

Unfortunately, Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe with an outstanding debt of 60 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in 2013. Furthermore, Transparency International, a graft supervisory body, published a report in 2012 that Albania was the most corrupt country in the EU during that period. Unemployment remains high while foreign investment is relatively minimal.

Interesting observations about Albania

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Albania is one of the smallest countries in the Balkan Peninsula within the peripheries of South Eastern Europe. Majority of the population is made up of Muslims while the remaining 20 percent is divided between Orthodox Christians and Catholics.

The country boasts of an impressive shoreline, pristine beaches and the world-renowned BUTRINT National Park which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. That is why the New York Times and Rough Guides (travel website) named Albania in the Top 10 Best Places to Visit for 2014.

Unfortunately, Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe with an outstanding debt of 60 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in 2013. Furthermore, Transparency International, a graft supervisory body, published a report in 2012 that Albania was the most corrupt country in the EU during that period. Unemployment remains high while foreign investment is relatively minimal.

Posted on 28 Mar 2014

chris.lockyer781

396
Stat enthusiast

Parliamentary elections were held in Albania in June of 2013. The Alliance for a European Albania obtained 57.7 percent of the votes or 84 out of 140 seats. This is a left-wing coalition headed by the Socialist Party of Albania. The new Prime Minister is Edi Rama who replaced Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party of Albania.

Albania is a small mountainous country along the Adriatic coastline. It is located near the borders of Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro. It used to be one of the poorest countries in Europe and a victim of Communism’s isolationist regime. It has a predominant rural economy and most of its citizens have migrated to Greece and Italy as foreign workers. Due to five centuries of Ottoman rule, Albania has remained a patriarchal society.

However, the nation’s economy is expected to increase by 2.1 percent although public debt will grow to 74.8 percent of the Gross Domestic Product this year. This projection is based on the 2014 preliminary draft state budget which was submitted to the parliament for debate. This version of the fiscal package entails a modification of the taxation model which reduces the income tax rate on monthly salaries below a certain level. It also visualizes several measures to alleviate fiscal burdens on small enterprises and increase tax rates for large corporations. According to the World Bank, national debt can only be lowered through reforms in the energy sector, tax and pensions. The suggested government package is meant to enforce fiscal discipline to settle government debts and concentrate on investments.

The country’s foreign policy is centered on maintaining affable relations with all nations. It has memberships in 48 international organizations like the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Council of Europe, IMF, WTO, and the OIC.

jaacosta47
15 May 2014

2

A country of southeast Europe on the Adriatic Sea. The region was settled in ancient times by Illyrians and Thracians and later came under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule. Having declared independence in 1912, Albania became a republic in 1925, then a satellite of the USSR in 1944. Elections in 1992 transferred power from the Communist Party to a nominally democratic government. TiranÃ« is the capital and the largest city. Population: 3,414,000.

Flag adopted 7 April 1992, coat of arms adopted 22 May 1993.Proportion: 5:7.Description: A red flag with a black double-headed eagle.Use: on land, as the civil, state and war flag, at sea, as the state ensign.

Posted on 22 Jan 2010

flagman

0

I am very disappointed that some people are unaware of where Albania is situated even though it is a european country.I suggest that Teachers that take Geography classes show their pupils the entirety of the atlas and familiarise them with european countries, especially when Albania is the oldest country in the Balcans.....

The true history has been untold for too long, someone needs to step up and tell the truth. being factual and honest. The truth is our heritage is older than the Greek fabrications, because we have been surpressed for too long.

Posted on 09 Jan 2010

MARIO

0

"why isn't Albania part of the middle east??"

Well Bob, for the same reason that USA is not part of Latin America. We (I am writing from the capital of Albania right now) are located in South-East of the European continent. It is about geography mate.